FOAMcast - An Emergency Medicine Podcast: Recent Episodes

FOAMcast

We believe in the educational merits of Free Open Access Medical education (FOAM), which includes podcasts, blogs, articles on PubMed Central, conferences streamed for free and more. As a result, we would like to encourage others to move beyond quoting podcasts and into the realm of tying “cutting edge” FOAM to the core content. We’ll provide some review and references for listeners to go read. Why, indeed, should we FOAM it alone when FOAM can inspire us to go, read, think, and be excellent?

View Details

In this episode, we review the BEEPER study evaluating PERC-Peds to exclude pulmonary embolism in pediatric patients.

References: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!

Lauren Westafer

View Details

This episode reviews the basics of cervical spine clearance in adult blunt trauma patients including

  • Deciding between clinical decision tools
  • What to do in the intoxicated/obtunded patient
  • What to do after a negative CT in a patient with persistent neck pain and no neurological symptoms

References at FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening! Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this episode, we review a new clinical policy from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) on the use of risk stratification tools and D-dimer to exclude non-traumatic thoracic aortic dissection.

Shownotes: FOAMcast.org

View Details

Historically, RhD immunoglobulin was recommended in Rh-negative patients presenting after spontaneous or induced abortion. However, guideline recommendations around the world have largely changed, and now recommend forgoing prophylaxis in most of these cases. We review the evidence and guidelines.

Show notes and references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening! Lauren Westafer

View Details

This episode discusses asthma guidelines and a systemic review and network meta-analysis on the use of inhaled corticosteroids for asthma.

Show notes and references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening! Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this episode, we discuss treatment of acute ischemic priapism, including some updates from the American Urological Association.

Show notes and references: FOAMcast.org

View Details

In this episode, we review a consensus guideline from the American College of Emergency Physicians on the use of topical anesthetics in corneal abrasions.

Show notes and references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren WEstafer

View Details

This episode covers emergency medicine-related recommendations from the American Heart Association's (AHA) clinical guideline on atrial fibrillation: 2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation Circulation. 2023

Show notes and references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening! Lauren Westafer

View Details

The AABB recently published updated recommendations for blood transfusion thresholds. This podcast reviews these recommendations and a recent study, the MINT trial, in which patients with anemia and a myocardial infarction were randomized to a restrictive strategy or liberal transfusion strategy.

Show notes / references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening! Lauren Westafer

View Details

This epsiode reviews the new clinical policy from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) on medication for acutely agitated patients needing parenteral sedation.

Show notes / references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening! Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this episode, we review Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), notably dissecting the recent Jansen et al trial in JAMA.

Shownotes / References: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening! Jeremy Faust & Lauren Westafer

View Details

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is commonly encountered in the ED and visits related to alcohol are estimated to be ~4% of all ED visits in the US. Despite this, most EDs offer little support and harm reduction for patients with AUD. In this podcast, we review naltrexone, the first-line medication for patients with AUD, which is starting to be initiated in US EDs by emergency clinicians. 

AAEM position paper

References and show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening! Lauren Westafer

View Details

Recommendations for the use of steroids in community-acquired pneumonia have been mixed. This episode reviews a large multicenter randomized trial in the New England Journal of Medicine by Dequin et al on hydrocortisone for severe community-acquired pneumonia. 

References/show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening! Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this episode we review the CLOVERS trial, a randomized trial of early (first 24 hours) restrictive versus liberal fluids. 

Show notes/references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust + Lauren Westafer

View Details

This episode reviews guideline recommendations and literature on the management of acute, uncomplicated diverticulitis - highlighting the recommendations to only prescribe antibiotics to select patients.

References/Show Notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening! Lauren WEstafer

View Details

This episode reviews a shift from the "lethal triad" in trauma to the "diamond of death," exploring the role of calcium in hemostasis and critically ill patients. We review the literature that is available on hypocalcemia and trauma patients

References/show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening! Lauren Westafer

View Details

This episode is a departure from the typical FOAMcast clinical content, we will be back with strictly clinical content soon.

In May 2022, I came across a fellow passenger and stranger in cardiac arrest in the airport. A small team of strangers, including an emergency medicine resident, Dr. Jason Tanner, and an emergency department technician, Angel, assembled to treat this passenger. Billy Frolick, a writer, comedian, and our patient that day, shares his perspective on his case with us. 

In addition, we highlight important clinical pearls, notably the importance of continuous chest compressions and early defibrillation. For more on not doing pulse checks, see this podcast: https://foamcast.org/2022/09/04/pulse-checks-during-cardiopulmonary-resuscitation/ .

View Details

This episode covers the 2022 American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) clinical policy on acute heart failure syndromes with a special focus on high dose nitrates

References and Show Notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening! Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this episode, we review the largest trial of double sequential external defibrillation (DSED) and vector change (VC) defibrillation for refractory ventricular fibrillation (VFib): Cheskes S, Verbeek PR, Drennan IR, et al. Defibrillation Strategies for Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(21):1947-1956.

Show notes, references, & infographics: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust & Lauren Westafer

View Details

The American College of Cardiology released a new consensus statement endorsing several signs on the electrocardiogram (ECG) as "STEMI Equivalents." In this podcast, we review these signs.

Show notes / graphics / references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer

View Details

Since 2010, the American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) have de-emphasized pulse checks - such that they recommend against routine pulse checks. Despite this recommendation, may individuals and institutions continue to perform pulse checks. This episode reviews the recommendations and the literature.

References/show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer

View Details

Since 2010, the American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) have de-emphasized pulse checks - such that they recommend against routine pulse checks. Despite this recommendation, may individuals and institutions continue to perform pulse checks. This episode reviews the recommendations and the literature.

References/show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer

View Details

There is a global outbreak of human monkeypox virus cases. In this episode we provide a quick summary of monkeypox to date. Check out our two more in-depth episodes on the topic. 

References/Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust & Lauren Westafer

View Details

There is a global outbreak of human monkeypox virus cases. In this episode (the second of a 2 part series), we summarize clinical manifestations, complications, and vaccination. 

References/Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust & Lauren Westafer

View Details

There is a global outbreak of human monkeypox virus cases. In this episode (the first of a 2 part series), we summarize some brief virology, epidemiology, and review the transmission of this virus. 

References/Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust & Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review the Anorectal emergencies: WSES-AAST guidelines on complicated hemorrhoids that include some practice-changers

References: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer

View Details

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and other first-generation antihistamines are commonly used, despite decades of data that there are safer and effective alternatives.  In this podcast, we review the guidelines / data behind common indications.

References at FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this episode we review acute urticaria and new guidelines related to the treatment of urticaria. We review additional relevant trials Palungwachira et al and Barniol et al.  References/Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this podcast we discuss onset of action of various intramuscular agents for chemical sedation for severely agitated patients. This includes a study by Barbic et al on ketamine, the onset of action of midazolam (and association with length of stay), and is droperidol really magic? (Cole et al)  Shownotes/References: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

Outpatient management of pulmonary embolism for low-risk patients has been encouraged for several years. However, little is known about pulmonary embolism diagnosed and managed exclusively in the outpatient setting. In this study, Vinson et al describe the course of patients diagnosed with PE and managed in the outpatient setting in an integrated healthcare delivery system.

Shownotes/References: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer

View Details

The diagnostic algorithm for pulmonary embolism (PE) has evolved over the past few years to include probability or risk-adjusted D-dimer. The YEARS algorithm includes an elevated D-dimer threshold for some risk groups and has been found to be safe and reduce imaging in several studies, including in pregnant patients. Now, this multicenter trial by Freund et al evaluates use of YEARS and age-adjusted D-dimer compared with an age-adjusted approach alone.

Shownotes/References: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer

View Details

A seminal single-center study in 2018 by Driver et al found a 98% first-pass success in patients undergoing endotracheal intubation in the Emergency Department. This multi-center randomized control trial examines bougie vs stylet in a wider array of settings

Show notes/references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer

View Details

Subsegmental pulmonary embolism (SSPE) is a controversial entity as they have uncertain clinical significance. As a result, the Chest Guidelines  and ACEP guidelines state that a very select group of patients with isolated SSPE and no deep vein thrombosis may be managed with surveillance rather than anticoagulation. In this podcast we review SSPE and a new prospective study by Le Gal and colleagues.

Show notes and references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!

Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review the FDA briefing document from Pfizer   as well as from the CDC Advisory Council on Immunization Practices that approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5-11.

References and show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We previously covered the management of young febrile infants in a 2017 podcast  but now we have updated guidance from the AAP. In this podcast, we review the 2021 AAP Guidelines for the management of well-appearing febrile infants 8-60 days old, highlight practice-changing recommendations.

Show notes/references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this episode, Jeremy discusses what we know about breakthrough infections in the delta variant era and what this may mean for COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

Jeremy's takes can be found at Inside Medicine

Show notes/references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

In this episode, we discuss the current evidence (as of September 24, 2021) on COVID-19 vaccine boosters as well as the CDC recommendations and the details of the Advisory Council on Immunization Practices recommendations/vote.

Show notes/References at FOAMcast.org

Jeremy's takes can be found at Inside Medicine

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

In this literature update podcast covering important papers of 2021, we cover Becattini et al on the assessment of right ventricular dysfunction in patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). We review guidelines on PE risk stratification for severity and discuss this individual patient meta-analysis.

Show notes/references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

This is a quick literature update on practice-changing literature from 2021. Here we discuss Pappal et al in Annals of Emergency Medicine on awareness during paralysis in mechanically ventilated patients

Show notes / References: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

This is a quick literature update of important literature in 2021 covering take-home naloxone by Kilaru et al. In this episode, we discuss principles of harm reduction, including naloxone, as well as the study. 

Show notes, references, and resources: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!

Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We review new clinical policy guidelines from SAEM on patients with recurrent (2 ED evaluations in 12 months) low risk (e.g. HEART score <4) chest pain.

Show notes and references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this episode, we review the data on the association between myocarditis and the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

Show notes / References: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this quick literature update, we review a recent paper by Branch et al on early 'panscan' (head to pelvis CT scan ) in patients with return of spontaneous circulation after out of hospital cardiac arrest. 

Show notes/ references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

In this episode we review what we know about vaccine induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), which has been associated with the COVID-19 viral vector vaccines by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.

Show notes/references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

In this podcast, we review Cerebral Vein Thrombosis (CVT) including clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management.

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

In this episode, we discuss ivermectin as a potential therapeutic for COVID-19 and review available randomized trials evaluating this drug.

  • Chaccour et al E-Clinical Medicine
  • Lopez-Medina et al. JAMA
  • Schwartz et al (not yet published)
  • IDSA guidelines
  • NIH Treatment guidelines

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this episode, we review new registry data from the ACIP meeting on pregnant people who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and discuss, in general, what we know about the COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy. 

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Pregnancy Decision Aid

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

In this episode, we review the FDA briefing document on the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) viral vector COVID-19 vaccine.

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer & Jeremy Faust

View Details

We have previously covered epistaxis on FOAMcast , including the use of tranexamic acid (TXA). Now, we cover a new, large RCT, the NoPac trial by Reuben et al, on TXA for epistaxis.

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

There's been a lot of excitement over various drugs for COVID-19, including anti-inflammatory drugs. Colchicine, a medication long used for gout, fits that bill. In this podcast, we review 3 trials of colchicine including COLCORONA, GRECCO-19, and a study by Lopes et al. 

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

Early studies of tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds interleukin-6 , were disappointing. However, the REMAP-CAP trial recently reported a benefit to tocilizumab in non-critically ill hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Now, from the RECOVERY trial (the trial that brought us dexamethasone), we have more good news for tocilizumab - which we cover in this podcast

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

As vaccinations role out, the news of SARS-CoV-2 variants with mutations to the spike protein have dominated news cycles. One unanswered question has been - do the current vaccines protect against these variants?

We tackle this issue and look at a new paper [pre-print] by Wu et al. 

View Details

Prior randomized trials of convalescent plasma in COVID-19 have had disappointing results. However, these trials included patients with severe illness who were many days (if not weeks) into the course of their illness. To date, it was hypothesized, but unknown, that the benefit would be in patients very early in the course of their illness. We cover an RCT by Libster et al in NEJM on convalescent plasma in older patients with mild COVID-19.

Show notes/references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!

Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

In this quick literature update we review the new recommendations from the CDC for the treatment of gonococcal infections which include:

  • Higher dose ceftriaxone (500 mg IM) or 1 gm IM if ≥150 kg patient
  • No routine azithromycin
  • Preference for doxycycline for co-treatment of presumed chlamydial infection

Show notes and references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

For years studies have questioned whether pulse oximeters perform as well in non-White patients as in White patients. This is particularly important now as disposition decisions in patients with COVID-19 are often made based on pulse oximetry readings.

We discussed an article by Sjoding et al in NEJM 

Show notes at FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

Despite multiple Phase II/III vaccine trials of >30,000 participants, pregnant patients or those who are lactating have been largely excluded. In this podcast, we cover what we know (and what we don't know thus far).

The Pfizer BNT162b2 trial data submitted for FDA Emergency Use Authorization does include information on a minuscule number of patients who were immunized and became pregnant.

The Society for Maternal and Fetal Medicine has released statements on vaccines in SARS-CoV-2.

In the United Kingdom, Public Health England has released guidance for their population on vaccination in pregnancy and breastfeeding which are rooted in the lack of data.

Shownotes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

Vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 have been in development for only a few months, but several have published early results from Phase III efficacy trials in press releases. In this episode, we review these vaccines and what we know about them, and what we know about  them

Show notes (references/graphics): FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

In this episode, we review cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and two recent randomized controlled trials on treatments

  • Haloperidol - Ruberto et al  (Annals of Emergency Medicine, In Press)
  • Capsaicin - Dean et al. Acad Emerg Med 2020.

Show notes (references, graphics) at FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

Monoclonal antibodies have received significant attention over the past month and we previously podcasted on antibodies that target SARS-CoV-2. In this episode, we review several recent studies on a different "mab", tocilizumab,  which targets inflammation mediated by interleukin-6 that is overly ramped up. 

We review:

Stone et al  ( RCT)

Hermine et al (RCT)

Salvarani et al. (RCT)

STOP-COVID (observational)

Show notes (references/graphics): FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

Monoclonal antibodies have received significant attention over the past couple of weeks. In this episode, we review what we know, as of October 9, 2020, about monoclonal antibodies as a therapy for COVID-19. 

Show notes (references/graphics): FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

We review a retrospective evaluation of COVID-19 infections in employees after a protocol that increased the use of high flow nasal cannula (Westafer et al)

Show notes (references/graphics): FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We spoonfeed you a new article on risk stratification of pulmonary embolism (with critical appraisal pearls!)

In this episode, we review a new trial by Barnes et al on antacids versus antacids with lidocaine for epigastric pain and dyspepsia

Show notes and references at FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,

Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

We review a new meta-analysis from the WHO REACT group of steroids in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and 3 new randomized trials of steroids in COVID-19 published in JAMA on September 2:

  • REMAP-CAP COVID-19
  • CoDEX
  • CAPE Covid

Show notes (references/graphics): FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

We review the evidence, to date, on convalescent plasma for the treatment of COVID-19. This includes 3 randomized trials, as well the US experience with >35,000 patients treated with convalescent plasma, a noncontrolled study by Joyner et al [pre-print].

Show notes (references/graphics): FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

We review Spinner et al in JAMA 2020, an open label trial of remdesivir 5 days vs remdesivir 10 days vs 'standard of care' for the treatment of #COVID19

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We review the Ascorbic Acid, Corticosteroids, and Thiamine in Septic Shock (ACTS) Trial by Moskowitz et al in JAMA

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review the AAAAI 2020 anaphylaxis guideline (Shaker et al)

A lightening review of anaphylaxis, follow by a discussion of biphasic reaction and the role of steroids and antihistamines

Thanks for listening,

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westsafer

View Details

Introducing a new series of quick, spoonfed literature updates, 1 article at a time

In this episode we review a new trial by Warren et al on antacids versus antacids with lidocaine for epigastric pain and dyspepsia

Show notes and references at FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,

Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

We review the RECOVERY trial results on hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 [pre-print by Hornby et al]

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

We review the RECOVERY trial results on dexamethasone for COVID-19 [pre-print by Hornby et al]

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

We explore effects of sterilization and re-use on N95s and KN95s efficiency and fit

Sterilization of N95s and KN95s with Hydrogen Peroxide and Chlorine Dioxide (Cai et al)

Extended use/reuse of N95 and fit test failure (Degesys et al) 

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded June 19, 2020

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

In this episode we discuss data on when SARS-CoV-2 began being detected in US communities  (Jorden et al)

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded June 9, 2020

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

In this episode we discuss some of the mental health ramifications of COVID-19 and the lockdowns:

US ED visits for mental health (Smalley et al)

Mental health of children during lockdown Xie et al

Psychological distress in US adults (McGinty et al)

Mood and violence in Chinese interns (Li et al)

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded June 9, 2020

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

In an update to the Convalsecent plasma episode we now cover the first RCT on the topic, Li et al

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded June 4, 2020

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

This episode reviews a study published by Mehra et al in the Lancet with concerning methods and data anomalies, leading to the possibility and likelihood of falsified data. This came to light after an open letter by Watson et al  detailing major issues. The Lancet issued a correction, which did not address many of the major issues and resulted in significant changes to Table S3 in the supplement. Concerningly, this group also authored the NEJM study on ACE-I/ARBs in COVID-19. 

Note: This is an evolving story

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded June 1, 2020

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

This episode reviews a study published by Goldman et al dissecting a study on remdesivir - 5 day vs 10 day course.

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded May 30, 2020

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

This episode reviews a study published by Wang et al that received incredible press coverage for touting benefits of mask wearing in one's own home....if it started prior to symptoms. This study is problematic, and we discuss why.

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded May 29, 2020

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

This episode reviews the NIAID trial, ACTT-1, on remdesivir vs placebo (Beigel et al)

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded May 23, 2020

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

This episode reviews an article by Groß et althat demonstrates SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be found in breastmilk

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded May 22, 2020

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

This episode reviews an article by Peyrony et al examining the performance of symptoms, physical exam findings, and ultrasound on the probability of COVID-19.

We also go into a bit of an interlude on likelihood ratios

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded May 22, 2020

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

This episode is a literature potpourri

  • Outcomes in pregnancy (Knight et al - pre-print).
  • Are EMS calls for strokes and STEMIs down during the pandemic? Holmes et al
  • More pediatric hyperinflammatory /Kawasaki-esque cases from Italy Verdoni et al
  • More Kawasaki Disease in Paris. (Toubiana et al)
  • Aerosol boxes for intubation (Begley et al)
  • Genomic sequencing reveals healthcare associated clusters (Meredith et al)

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded May 15, 2020

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

This episode discusses

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

This episode discusses Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Temporally Associated with COVID-19 , including the study published in the Lancet by Riphagen et al

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded May 6, 2020

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded May 9, 2020

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

This episode discusses convalescent plasma, specifically a recent systematic review by Rajendran et al

  • Shen et al
  • Zhang et al
  • Ye et al
  • Ahn et al
  • Duan et al
  • Biegel et al (influenza A RCT)

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded May 6, 2020

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

This episode discusses antibody testing including

  • IDSA Antibody Testing Primer
  • Crook et al [MedRxIv pre-print]
  • FIND.org compilation and external assessment of tests
  • Zhao et al

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded May 2, 2020

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

This episode discusses an article by Baldi et al on excess mortality and Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded 4.29.20

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

This episode discusses cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 including "COVID toes"

  • Recalcati
  • Manalo
  • Duong et al
  • Nieto
  • Piccolo et al
  • Alrantham et al
  • Kolivras et al

And the more serious lesions

  • Zhang et al
  • Zhang et al

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded 4.28.20

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

This episode discusses autopsy findings

  • Carsana et al
  • Barton et al
  • Dolhnikoff et al

and VTE

  • Llitjos
  • Klok
  • Tavazzi
  • Grillet
  • Obi (H1N1)

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded 4.26.20

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

This episode discusses an article by Caputo et al.   on self proning and oxygenation in COVID-19

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded 4.23.20

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

In this episode, Dr. Rory Spiegel (@EMNerd_) and I discuss the "switch" from early intubation to aggressive non-invasive modalities and our respiratory protocols including what we know about the evidence behind...

  • Early intubation recommendations
  • High flow nasal cannula in COVID-19
  • Self/awake proning

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded 4.17.20

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

In this episode, we discuss thrombosis and COVID-19, specifically:

  • Journal of the American College of Cardiology recommendations for COVID-19 (prophylaxis, anticoagulation, myocardial infarction)
  • Bangalore et al in NEJM on ST elevation in COVID-19

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded 4.18.20

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

In this episode, we discuss special populations including

  • Homeless individuals - Baggett et al
  • Racial disparities - African-Americans / Blacks disproportionately contracting SARS-CoV-2 and dying Yancy CW
  • Healthcare workers with COVID-19 Heinzerling et al (CDC) and MMWR and Ng et al

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded 4.17.20

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

In this episode, we discuss testing issues

  • Asymptomatic obstetric patients in NYC (Sutton et al. )
  • Effects of narrow screening criteria (Wee et al)

And hydroxychloroquine updates

  • More data without a comparator from the Raoult group (only published as abstract and table)
  • Retrospective study with propensity matching (Mahévas et al)

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded 4.14.20

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

In this episode, we discuss outcomes from NYU

  • Petrilli et al [pre-print]

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded 4.12.20

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

In this episode, Dr. Rory Spiegel (@EMNerd_) and I discuss risk stratification tools in COVID-19

  • Zhou et al.
  • Gong et al

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded 4.10.20

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

In this episode, we discuss the NEJM article by Grien et al on the compassionate use of remdesivir in COVID-19 

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded 4.10.20

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Rory Spiegel (EMNerd) and discuss what we are seeing in COVID-19 and various theories.

  • Atypical ARDS picture
  • HAPE: Solaimanzadeh
  • Hemoglobinopathy-type of picture: Liu et al

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

*Recorded 4.5.20

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Rory Spiegel (EMNerd) and discuss the ROX index predicting failure of HFNC and any applicability to COVID-19

  • Derivation: Roca O, Messika J, Caralt B, et al. Predicting success of high-flow nasal cannula in pneumonia patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure: The utility of the ROX index. J Crit Care. 2016;35:200-5.
  • Roca O, Caralt B, Messika J, et al. An Index Combining Respiratory Rate and Oxygenation to Predict Outcome of Nasal High-Flow Therapy. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2019;199(11):1368-1376.

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

Recorded 4.5.20

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check us

In this episode, we discuss emerging evidence for high flow nasal cannula 

  • Wang et al. Ann Intensive Care. 2020 10(37)

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

Recorded 4.3.20

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check us

In this episode, we discuss the theory (there is no great evidence) of hypercoagulability in severe COVID-19

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

Recorded 4.2.20

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check us

In this episode, we cover

  • The Brescia-COVID Respiratory Severity Scale (BCRSS) / Algorithm
  • ICU outcomes in Washington State - Bhatraju et al.

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

Recorded 3.31.20

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check us

Recorded 3.30.20

In this episode, we cover

  • Awake proning: Sun et al and Ding et al
  • Hydroxychloroquine/Azithromycine update: Gautret et al.
  • Neonatal update: Zeng et al.

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check us

Recorded 3.28.20

In this episode, we cover

  • Air samples from hallways and rooms contain SARS-CoV-2 [Santarpia et al - Pre-print]
  • Convalescent plasma for the treatment of COVID-19 [Shen et al - JAMA]

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check us

Recorded 3.27.20

In this episode, we cover

  • Vertical transmission in pregnancy
  • High flow nasal cannula with a mask

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check us

Recorded 3.25.20

In this episode, we cover

  • Incubation period
  • Disease timeline
  • Viral shedding
  • Re-infection

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check us

Recorded 3.23.20

In this episode, we cover

  • Anosmia / dysgeusia
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Policy updates

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check us

In this episode, we cover

  • Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (including stability on surfaces / aerosols)
  • Cloth masks - do they work?
  • UV light decontamination

Recorded 3.22.20

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check us

In this episode, we cover

  • High flow nasal cannula in COVID-19
  • Cytokine storm
  • Asymptomatic transmission and Ro of Sars-CoV2

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check us

In this episode, we cover the Society of Critical Care Medicine, Surviving Sepsis Guidelines for COVID-19

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19, as literature develops. *Things change frequently and this may be out of date in days/weeks.

In this episode we review:

  • guidance for pregnant and breastfeeding patients and healthcare workers
  • experimental treatments that are all the craze: remdesivir, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir-ritonavir

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We are going to try to bring you updates regarding COVID-19 on a regular basis. These podcasts will likely be out of date in a few days, so check back for updates.

This episode features:

  • Co-infections (extended respiratory panel positive and positive for Sars-CoV-20
  • Epidemiology of pediatric infections
  • Ibuprofen and ACE-inhibitor use

Recorded 3.18.20

Thanks for listening,

Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We review the evaluation and management of Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) as well as the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) / American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2019 guidelines for CAP.

Shownotes and references at FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We cover some top articles of 2019, including the following:

Roc vs Sux: Guihard B et al. Effect of rocuronium vs succinylcholine on endotracheal intubation success rate among patients undergoing out-of-hospital rapid sequence intubation: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA 2019 Dec 17; 322:2303. (https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.18254)

Targeted Temperature Management after Cardiac Arrest: Lascarrou JB, Merdji H, Le gouge A, et al. Targeted Temperature Management for Cardiac Arrest with Nonshockable Rhythm. N Engl J Med. 2019.

Pulmonary Embolism - a new D-dimer cut off Kearon C, De wit K, Parpia S, et al. Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism with d-Dimer Adjusted to Clinical Probability. N Engl J Med. 2019;381(22):2125-2134.

Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy: Van der pol LM, Tromeur C, Bistervels IM, et al. Pregnancy-Adapted YEARS Algorithm for Diagnosis of Suspected Pulmonary Embolism. N Engl J Med. 2019;380(12):1139-1149.

TXA in head injury The CRASH-3 Trial Collaborators. Effects of Tranexamic Acid on Death, Disability, Vascular Occlusive Events and Other Morbidities in Patients with Acute Traumatic Brain Injury (CRASH-3): A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Lancet 2019

View Details

The VITAMINS trial by Fujii et al has been published in JAMA and provides insight into the performance of the "metabolic cocktail" (Vitamin C + thiamine + hydrocortisone) in ICU patients with septic shock. We review this trial in the context of prior literature.

Show notes and references at FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) clinical policy on headache from June 2019, most of which revolves around the diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage. 

Show notes and references at FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We are at ACEP 2019 in Denver and do a deep dive on a topic introduced by Bryan Hayes (@PharmERToxGuy) in a talk on black boxed medications used in the ED.

We review the data underlying the FDA warning for olanzapine and benzodiazepines.

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this episode covering the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) 2019, we cover common black box warnings including

  • fluoroquinolones
  • midazolam
  • droperidol
  • NSAIDs
  • and more

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We are at ACEP 2019 in Denver and cover pearls from interesting lectures. Today, that included concussion and VP shunts.

View Details

Vaping associated lung injury (VALI) has become a frequent topic in the news in the United States (US). In this episode we review the epidemiology, presumed pathophysiology, and new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the US.

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

FOAMcast.org

References:

  1. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). 2019; 68(40)
  2. Layden JE, Ghinai I, Pray I, et al. Pulmonary Illness Related to E-Cigarette Use in Illinois and Wisconsin - Preliminary Report. N Engl J Med. 2019; Sept 6.
  3. Maddock SD, Cirulis MM, Callahan SJ, et al. Pulmonary Lipid-Laden Macrophages and Vaping. N Engl J Med. 2019;381:1488-1489.

View Details

In this episode we briefly review hyperkalemia and the principles of emergent treatment. Then we explore, in-depth, the role of insulin and dextrose including the incidence of hypoglycemia and pearls to reduce this side effect.

Pearls:

  • 10-20% of patients treated with insulin/dextrose for hyperkalemia get hypoglycemic
  • Consider giving 5 units insulin instead of 10 units
  • Check the glucose for hours (dextrose lasts <1 hr, insulin lasts ≥2 hours)
  • Beware of insulin in patients with renal insufficiency or with near normal starting glucose.

Thanks for listening!
Lauren

View Details

We discuss the US Food & Drug Administration's black box warning for droperidol and the evidence behind this warning.

We then discuss the use of butyrophenones such as droperidol and haloperidol for the treatment of agitation, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and gastroparesis/cannabinoid hyperemesis.

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer 

View Details

We discuss the coagulation test thromboelastography (TEG) / Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM), reviewing the evidence behind the use of the tests as well as the clinical implications.

Show notes and graphics FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this episode, we discuss important and "hot" articles thus far in 2019. These articles include:

  • Testing for pulmonary embolism in pregnant patients

    • Van der pol LM, Tromeur C, Bistervels IM, et al. Pregnancy-Adapted YEARS Algorithm for Diagnosis of Suspected Pulmonary Embolism. N Engl J Med. 2019;380(12):1139-1149.

    Langlois E, Cusson-dufour C, Moumneh T, et al. Could the YEARS algorithm be used to exclude pulmonary embolism during pregnancy? Data from the CT-PE-pregnancy study. J Thromb Haemost. 2019; In Press * Asymptomatic bacteriuria guidelines from the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) + Nicolle LE, Gupta K, Bradley SF, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria: 2019 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2019. * Dosing of benzodiazepines in seizures + Sathe AG, Tillman C, Coles LD, et al. Underdosing of benzodiazepines in patients with status epilepticus enrolled in Established Status Epilepticus Treatment Trial. Acad Emerg Med. 2019 Jun 4. * Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in trauma patients + Joseph B et al. Nationwide analysis of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in civilian trauma. JAMA Surg 2019. Mar 20. * Mortality following opioid overdose + Weiner SG, Baker O, Bernson D, Schuur JD. One-Year Mortality of Patients After Emergency Department Treatment for Nonfatal Opioid Overdose. Ann Emerg Med. 2019; In Press

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review the entity formally known as pseudoseizures and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), now referred to as psychogenic non-epileptic attacks (PNEA). 

We discuss the history of PNEA as well as relevant literature on the diagnosis and treatment of this entity.

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review myths and reality in the management of patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) 

  • Are these patients typically opioid seeking? (No)
  • If the patient appears comfortable I should withhold proper analgesia. (No).
  • Should IV fluids be a routine part of the cocktail for vaso-occlusive pain episodes? (No)

We also review common emergencies in sickle cell disease that include

  • Infections
  • Acute chest syndrome
  • Anemia (Aplastic crisis, splenic sequestration)
  • Ischemia
    • Strokes
    • Avascular necrosis
    • Renal, pulmonary, splenic infarctions
  • Vaso-occlusive pain episodes

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We are at #SMACC in Sydney, Australia, thanks to the Rosh Review, delivering updates from the conference to your earbuds.

Advocacy in Emergency Medicine - Esther Choo and Hugh Montgomery

Mechanical CPR vs Manual CPR - Ken Milne vs Salim Rezaie

Super sick massive GI bleeds and balloon tamponade - Sara Gray

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We are at SMACC in Sydney, Australia, thanks to the Rosh Review, delivering updates from the conference to your earbuds. Today we cover resuscitation pearls.

Bougie vs Standard Stylet in emergency department (ED) rapid sequence intubation (RSI) - Brian Driver vs Rich Levitan

Rocuronium vs Succinylcholine Debate - Billy Mallon and Reuben Strayer

The Crashing Asthmatic - Haney Mallemat

Thanks for listening!

Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We are at #smacc in Australia thanks to the Rosh Review!

The opening session this morning was amazing and we can't do it justice on the podcast. Gill Hicks (@MadForPeace), a victim in the July 7, 2005 bombing attack on a London train spoke on how impactful everyone in the healthcare delivery system can be (from medics to detectives to nurses to physical therapists to physicians). Dr. Dara Kass delivered a powerful talk on vulnerability, responsibility, and lack of knowledge even in a super health care literate individual.....what it means to be a provider and a patient (and a mom and a medical home for the family and a wife) in her story of donating part of her liver to her son.

David Carr on anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis

Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is the most common cause of encephalitis in young people (<30 years old), with an average age of ~20. We review the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We co-hosted (with John Vassiliadis) the SMACC EM Updates half-day conference. We had amazing speakers. Salim Rezaie spoke on TXA for Everything, Ken Milne spoke on hot papers from 2018, and we learned about when ultrasound may be helpful in pediatric lumbar punctures. In addition, Jeremy spoke on what is usual care in sepsis and Lauren spoke on pulmonary embolism: the next generation. In this short podcast we highlight some of our other talks.

Aidan Baron (@Aidan_Baron) on Prehospital Updates in Cardiac Arrest

This talk focused on focusing on things that are most likely to make a difference in OHCA (bystander CPR and defibrillation) rather than on fun interventions like intubation and adrenaline (epinephrine). Aidan suggests that the future debates and questions in OHCA will be largely philosophical - what outcomes do we care about: neuro intact survival or ROSC or survival?

  1. Jabre P, Penaloza A, Pinero D, et al. Effect of bag-mask ventilation vs endotracheal intubation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation on neurological outcome after out-of-hospital cardiorespiratory arrest a randomized clinical trial. JAMA -2018;319(8):779–87.
  2. Benger JR, Kirby K, Black S, et al. Effect of a Strategy of a Supraglottic Airway Device vs Tracheal Intubation During Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest on Functional Outcome: The AIRWAYS-2 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2018;320(8):779-791.
  3. Wang HE, Schmicker RH, Daya MR, et al. Effect of a Strategy of Initial Laryngeal Tube Insertion vs Endotracheal Intubation on 72-Hour Survival in Adults With Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2018;320(8):769-778

Barbra Backus on the future of the HEART score

Modified Heart Score (redefining the T or troponin based on newer assays) results in a NPV of 99.8% and classifies 48% of patients as low-risk.

Clinically Relevant Adverse Cardiac Events (CRACE) is way less common than major adverse cardiac events (MACE). HEART score of ≤3 ? CRACE is 0.05%

Hot Literature in 2019

  1. Lemkes JS, Janssens GN, van der Hoeven NW, et al. Coronary Angiography after Cardiac Arrest without ST-Segment Elevation. N Engl J Med. 2019;NEJMoa1816897
  2. Pluymaekers NAHA, Dudink EAMP, Luermans JGLM, et al. Early or Delayed Cardioversion in Recent-Onset Atrial Fibrillation. N Engl J Med .2019;NEJMoa1900353.

View Details

We have previously podcasted on tachyarrythmias (Episode 34 Tachyarrhythmias), but in this episode, we focus specifically on the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia  (SVT),  specifically paroxysmal SVT.

We discuss the treatment options of adenosine and calcium channel blockers, weighing in with the evidence, the guidelines, and some opinion.

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

Thanks to Figure 1 for supporting this episode. We do not make money off of this podcast, this support is just for operational costs associated with the podcast.

View Details

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released another warning for fluoroquinolones, this time regarding aortic dissection and aneurysm. We review the evidence behind this warning, including the following studies:

Lee CC Risk of Aortic Dissection and Aortic Aneurysm in Patients Taking Oral Fluoroquinolone. JAMA Intern Med. 2015;175(11):1839-47.

Lee CC Oral Fluoroquinolone and the Risk of Aortic Dissection. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018;72(12):1369-1378.

Pasternak B Fluoroquinolone use and risk of aortic aneurysm and dissection: nationwide cohort study. BMJ. 2018;360:k678.

We then review the ACEP clinical policy on aortic dissection covering risk scores, d-dimers, and management of aortic dissection

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We cover the clinical policy from the American College of Emergency Physicians - Clinical Policy: Critical Issues in the Evaluation and Management of Emergency Department Patients With Suspected Non–ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes

In adult patients without evidence of ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome, can initial risk stratification be used to predict a low rate of 30-day major adverse cardiac events?

  • Use HEART score ≤3

In adult patients with suspected acute non–ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes, can troponin testing within 3 hours of emergency department presentation be used to predict a low rate of 30-day major adverse cardiac events?

  • Negative conventional troponins at 0,3 hrs in low risk patients
  • High sensitivity troponin: undetectable initial troponin, no need for another. Negative initial troponin, repeat at 2 hours

In adult patients with suspected acute non–ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes in whom acute myocardial infarction has been excluded, does further diagnostic testing (eg, provocative, stress test, computed tomography [CT] angiography) for acute coronary syndrome prior to discharge reduce 30-day major adverse cardiac events?

  • No need to get provocative testing before discharge or within particular time frame

Should adult patients with acute non–ST-elevation myocardial infarction receive immediate antiplatelet therapy in addition to aspirin to reduce 30-day major adverse cardiac events?

  • antiplatelet therapy additional to aspirin can be given or delayed

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We discuss Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) including buprenorphine initiated from the emergency department.

This show was sponsored by Figure 1, a free open access application for providers using images and cases

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

References:

  1. Berg ML, Idrees U, Ding R, Nesbit SA, Liang HK, and McCarthy ML. Evaluation of the use of buprenorphine for opioid withdrawal in an emergency department. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2007;86(2-3):239-44. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2006.06.014.
  2. Mattick RP, Breen C, Kimber J, Davoli M. Buprenorphine maintenance versus placebo or methadone maintenance for opioid dependence. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(2):CD00220
  3. Pierce M, Bird SM, Hickman M, Marsden J, Dunn G, Jones A, and Millar T. Impact of treatment for opioid dependence on fatal drug-related poisoning: a national cohort study in England. Addiction. 2016;111(2):298-308. doi:10.1111/add.13193.
  4. Clark RE, Samnaliev M, Baxter JD, and Leung GY. The evidence doesn't justify steps by state Medicaid programs to restrict opioid addiction treatment with buprenorphine. Health Aff (Millwood). 2011;30(8):1425-33. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2010.0532
  5. Martin SA, Chiodo LM, Bosse JD, Wilson A. The Next Stage of buprenorphine Care for Opioid Use disorder. Annal of Internal Medicine

View Details

The Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAM) world is often obsessed with magnesium. In this show we address the use of magnesium for various applications.

Magnesium for Acute Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Ventricular Response (RVR)

  1. Bouida et al. LOw dose MAGnesium sulfate versus HIgh dose in the early management of rapid atrial fibrillation: randomised controlled double blind study. Acad Emerg Med. 2018 Jul 19.
  2. Ho KM, Sheridan DJ, Paterson T. Use of intravenous magnesium to treat acute onset atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis. Heart. 2007;93(11):1433-40.
  3. Davey MJ, Teubner D. A randomized controlled trial of magnesium sulfate, in addition to usual care, for rate control in atrial fibrillation. Ann Emerg Med. 2005;45(4):347-53.

Magnesium for Migraine

  1. Corbo J, Esses D, Bijur PE, Iannaccone R, Gallagher EJ. Randomized clinical trial of intravenous magnesium sulfate as an adjunctive medication for emergency department treatment of migraine headache. Ann Emerg Med. 2001;38(6):621–7.
  2. Bigal ME, Bordini CA, Tepper SJ, Speciali JG. Intravenous magnesium sulphate in the acute treatment of migraine without aura and migraine with aura. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Cephalalgia. 2002;22(5):345-53.
  3. 1Cete Y, Dora B, Ertan C, Ozdemir C, Oktay C. A randomized prospective placebo-controlled study of intravenous magnesium sulphate vs. metoclopramide in the management of acute migraine attacks in the Emergency Department. Cephalalgia. 2005;25(3):199–204.
  4. Shahrami A, Assarzadegan F, Hatamabadi HR, Asgarzadeh M, Sarehbandi B, Asgarzadeh S. Comparison of therapeutic effects of magnesium sulfate vs. dexamethasone/metoclopramide on alleviating acute migraine headache. J Emerg Med. 2015;48(1):69–76.
  5. Orr SL, Friedman BW, Christie S, Minen MT, Bamford C, Kelley NE, et al. Management of Adults with Acute Migraine in the Emergency Department: The American Headache Society Evidence Assessment of Parenteral Pharmacotherapies. Headache. 2016;56(6):911–40.

Magnesium for Acute Asthma Exacerbation

Griffiths B, Kew KM. Intravenous magnesium sulfate for treating children with acute asthma in the emergency department. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;4:CD011050.
Kew KM, Kirtchuk L, Michell CI. Intravenous magnesium sulfate for treating adults with acute asthma in the emergency department. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(5):CD010909.

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this episode we highlight key articles in Emergency Medicine that came out, thus far, in 2018.

D'souza et al. Effects of prophylactic anticholinergic medications to decrease extrapyramidal side effects in patients taking acute antiemetic drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis Emerg Med J. 2018;35(5):325-331.

Driver et al. Effect of Use of a Bougie vs Endotracheal Tube and Stylet on First-Attempt Intubation Success Among Patients With Difficult Airways Undergoing Emergency Intubation: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2018;319(21):2179-2189.

Atkinson PR, Milne J, Diegelmann L, et al. Does Point-of-Care Ultrasonography Improve Clinical Outcomes in Emergency Department Patients With Undifferentiated Hypotension? An International Randomized Controlled Trial From the SHoC-ED Investigators. Ann Emerg Med. 2018; In press.

Perkins GD et al. A Randomized Trial of Epinephrine in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest. N Engl J Med 2018; 379:711-721

Meltzer et al. Effect of Tamsulosin on Passage of Symptomatic Ureteral Stones: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2018 Aug 1;178(8):1051-1057

Kabrhel et al Multicenter Evaluation of the YEARS Criteria in Emergency Department Patients Evaluated for Pulmonary Embolism. Acad Emerg Med. 2018;25(9):987-994

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We bring you pearls from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) 2018 Scientific Assembly in San Diego, CA.

In this episode we highlight:

  • Myths in diagnostic imaging
    • Torsion ultrasound is insensitive
    • CTPA for PE is not perfect. There are false positives AND false negatives
  • Myths in pediatrics
    • Response to antipyretics does NOT make viral infection more likely
    • Juice in kids with gastroenteritis is a great way to rehydrate them
    • Kids don't have to wait 24 hours on antibiotics for strep throat before returning to school, if they got 50 mg/kg amoxicillin prior to 5pm the night before, they're fine

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We bring you pearls from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) 2018 Scientific Assembly in San Diego, CA.

In this episode we highlight:

  • Problems with CYA (Cover your a$$) medicine such as admissions
  • Problems with lactate, procalcitonin, and other biomarkers

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We bring you pearls from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) 2018 Scientific Assembly in San Diego, CA.

In this episode we highlight:

  • Severe pediatric brain injury, tips for management and preventing badness
  • Aortic dissection diagnostics
  • Chest tube pearls

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We cover a JAMA Clinical Reviews podcast on lyme disease, including some myth-busters.

*Doxycycline can be used, safely, in kids < 8 years old

*Testing for lyme is a mess because : (1) we test patients with ultra low probability of disease (2) we test patients who shouldn't be tested (i.e. have erythema migrans) (3) the tests are a pain to interpret

*Lyme disease is spreading further south and west in the US, into Canada, and it's also increasingly found in Europe.

We then delve into core content for Rosen's, Tintinalli, and the IDSA 2006 guidelines.

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

FOAMcast.org

View Details

We review the American Urological Association guidelines on penile fracture and priapism. We supplement this with core content from Tintinalli and Rosen's Emergency Medicine.

View Details

We review one of the editors top picks from Annals of Emergency Medicine, which are free for 6 months from issue release.  The article covered in this podcast is Waldman et al, is a study of tetracaine in corneal abrasions.

We also review commonly encountered corneal emergencies:

Corneal abrasions

Corneal ulcers

and herpes keratoconjunctivitis.

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

Show notes at FOAMcast.org

We cover the 2017 IDSA/SHEA guidelines on clostridium difficile (c diff).

We then review core content on c diff including risk stratification and treatment using Rosen's and Tintinalli as guides.

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

Workup for pulmonary embolism (PE) is common (perhaps too common) in the United States. The American College of Emergency Physicians has released a clinical policy on pulmonary embolism. We cover this policy as well as core content on PE risk stratification and "rule out"

Thanks for listening,
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We cover the emergency department care of lactating patients including

Medications during breastfeeding - who should "pump and dump"? (spoiler: very few people, check LactMed or InfantRisk)

Mastitis & Breast Abscesses

Emergency Department Support

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

Show notes at FOAMcast.org

We have a special April 1st show - the Faust-Westafer Central Theorem of Emergency Medicine. Listen for details

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review select articles from 2017 that are important or that got people talking including:

Sadeghirad B et al. Corticosteroids for treatment of sore throat: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials. BMJ. 2017;358:j3887.

Barniol et al.Levocetirizine and Prednisone Are Not Superior to Levocetirizine Alone for the Treatment of Acute Urticaria: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial. Ann Emerg Med. 2018;71(1):125-131.e1

Wilson SS, Kwiatkowski GM, Millis SR, Purakal JD, Mahajan AP, Levy PD. Use of nitroglycerin by bolus prevents intensive care unit admission in patients with acute hypertensive heart failure. Am J Emerg Med. 2017;35(1):126-131.

Hu et al Variability in Interpretation of Cardiac Standstill Among Physician Sonographers. Ann Emerg Med. 2017 Sep 1. S0196-0644(17)31376-8

Clattenburg et al Point-of-care ultrasound use in patients with cardiac arrest is associated prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation pauses: A prospective cohort study. Resuscitation. 2018;122:65-68.

Hinson JS et al. Risk of Acute Kidney Injury After Intravenous Contrast Media Administration. Ann Emerg Med. 2017

Healey CD et al. Asymptomatic cervical spine fractures: Current guidelines can fail older patients. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2017;83(1):119-125.

Crowell et al. Accuracy of Computed Tomography Imaging Criteria in the Diagnosis of Adult Open Globe Injuries by Neuroradiology and Ophthalmology. Acad Emerg Med. 2017;24(9):1072-1079.

Talan et al. Subgroup Analysis of Antibiotic Treatment for Skin Abscesses. Ann Emerg Med. 2018;71(1):21-30.

View Details

We tackle some free open access medical education from the CDC on the flu vaccine, including:

  • Recommendations that individuals with any severity of egg allergy (including anaphylaxis) receive the flu vaccine. The only modification that needs to occur is patients with a history of true anaphylaxis to eggs should be given the flu shot in a setting where they can be monitored by a healthcare professional if needed (i.e. a doctor's office).
  • It is very unlikely that the flu vaccine causes Guillan-Barre Syndrome (GBS). If there is any increase as a result of the flu shot, it is 1-2 in 1,000,000.

We then dive into CDC recommendations on oseltamivir as well as contradictory data from the most recent Cochrane review.

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

Over at the Pulmcrit blog, Dr. Josh Farkas has proposed the use of phenobarbital monotherapy for the treatment of ethanol withdrawal and we cover this protocol.

We then dive into core content alcohol withdrawal using Rosen’s Emergency Medicine (9th ed) Chapter 142 , Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine (8th ed) Chapter 292, and Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies (10th ed) Chapter 81  as guides.

Thanks for listening,

Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We discuss ultrasound diagnosis of pneumoperitoneum using a podcast from 5MinSono.

Then we delve into core content on gastritis, PUD, and helicobacter pylori using Rosen's Ch 78 and Tintinalli's Ch 79 as guides.

Thank for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We cover Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAM) on mass casualty incidents, an unfortunate reality in the current United States climate (and elsewhere).  There is a must read (truly, emergency providers really should read this) in EP Monthly by Dr.Kevin Menes, “How One Las Vegas ED Saved Hundreds of Lives After the Worst Mass Shooting in U.S. History”. He details his process in running the Emergency Department that evening.

We cover pearls from other great resources include a post on the St. Emlyn's blog, "Mass Casualty Incidents: Lessons from the AAST" and a free EBMedicine article on ballistic injuries

Core Content: Chapter 192 Rosen's, Chapter 5 Tintinalli - Mass Casualty Incident Triage

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We bring you pearls from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) 2017 Scientific Assembly.

We cover in-flight emergencies, need for contrast enhanced CT scans, bronchiolitis and sucrose for infants

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We bring you pearls from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) 2017 Scientific Assembly.

Pearls on H. Pylori from: It's Alimentary - Poo-Pourri of Conditions From the Mouth to Rectum - Dr. Adebayo, Dr. Batra, Dr. Bavokek

Emerging Infections: Zika and Its Friends - Dr. Joan Noelker

High Yield Toxicology - Dr Erickson, Dr Traub, Dr. Perrone

View Details

We cover top pearl from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Scientific Assembly 2017.

Dr. Michael Winters - Critical Care Updates

Dr. Tim Horeczko - Pediatric Pitfalls

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We cover some high yield, important, or frequently discussed recent articles.

Antibiotics and abscesses - Daum et al

FAST in hemodynamically stable patients -  Holmes et al

Haloperidol in gastroparesis - Roldan et al and Ramirez et al

Ignoring PERC - Buchanan et al

Steroids in non-asthma/COPD lower respiratory tract infections - Hay et al

Gender pay gap persists in academic EM (and it's not due to hours, rank, or roles) - Madsen et al

View Details

We review this blog post by Bryan Hayes, an ED pharmacist (@PharmERToxGuy), on the use of physostigmine in anticholinergic toxicity.

We then review anticholinergic toxidrome using Rosen's, Tintinalli's, and Goldfrank's as a guide.

Thanks for listening!

Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We review gastroparesis treatment with haloperidol including a recent study by Ramirez and colleagues. This study had significant methodologic limitations but provides some interesting insight into a practice that many providers have adopted - using haloperidol for gastroparesis. A tiny RCT by Roldan and colleagues also looked at this practice and found promising results, although the study was very small.  Haloperidol has also been used in cannabinoid hyperemesis but literature on this is limited to case reports/series.

We also cover core content on biliary pathology using Tintinalli and Rosen's as guides.

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review recent discussions on the accuracy of cuff blood pressures including a meta-analysis Picone et al published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology discussing the accuracy of cuff blood pressures.

We cover core content on hypertensive emergencies and asymptomatic markedly elevated blood pressure using the ACEP clinical policy on hypertension, Rosen's (9th ed) Chapter 74 "Hypertension," and Tintinalli (8th ed),  Chapter  57 “Systemic Hypertension” Chapter 59 “Aortic Dissection and Related Aortic Syndromes” as guides

Show notes on FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren WEstafer

View Details

We cover Free Open Access Medical Education on opioids.

  • The Poison Review podcast reviews papers on the opioid epidemic, including a paper by Rudd et al demonstrating an increase in opioid-related deaths over the past five years as well as the following paper by Shah and colleagues.
  • The Dantastic Mr. Tox and Howard, a new podcast on the scene, also covers multiple topics on opioids, including common misconceptions of tramadol.

Then we cover core content on opioid overdose and withdrawal using Rosen's Emergency Medicine (9th ed) Chapter 156 and Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine (8th ed), Chapter 186 as a guide.

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We are in Berlin for #dasSMACC and have lots of pearls to share from the speakers at this amazing conference.  Talks will be released for free on the SMACC podcast over the next year, but this podcast holds some pearls that we thought couldn't wait.

We cover...

One of the major themes of #dasSMACC has been - we are more overconfident in our knowledge, skills, ability, and good behavior than we actually demonstrate. We cover the Dunning-Kruger effect and how to help combat the notion that "this happens to other people, not me." 

Drs. Jacob Avila and Ben Smith on Airway Ultrasound

Dr. James Rippey on Point of Care Ultrasound Incidental Findings

Dr. Jack Iwashyna on Critical Care Prognosis

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We are in Berlin for #dasSMACC and have lots of pearls to share from the speakers at this amazing conference.  Talks will be released for free on the SMACC podcast over the next year, but this podcast holds some pearls that we thought couldn't wait.

We cover...

Dr. Leanne Harnett on Pulmonary Embolism with Right Heart Thrombus (PE with RHT)

Dr. Michele Domico on Pediatric Cardiology Emergencies

Dr. Haney Mallemat (@CriticalCareNow) on Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) during Cardiac Arrest

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We deliver pearls from the first day of #dasSMACC in Berlin.

We cover talks by Dr. Brian Burns on trauma, Dr. David Carr on endocarditis, Dr. Paul Young on statistics, and Dr. Jess Mason on sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis.

Check out foamcast.org for show notes and pictographic summaries.

Thanks for listening and for the Rosh Review for sending us!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We interrupt our normal core content for this update:

Texting amongst medical professionals is ubiquitous; however, given patient privacy laws, many wonder, what is permissible?

We discuss a recent article in JAMA by Brian Drolet on this very topic as well as some basic professionalism pearls.

Show notes at FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,

Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We cover FOAM on the WOMAN trial of tranexamic acid (TXA) in post-partum hemorrhage including BroomeDocs, EMlitofnote, and The Bottom Line

Then we delve into core content on non-pregnant vaginal bleeding using Rosen's and Tintinalli's as a guide.

Show notes are available at FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer & Jeremy Faust

View Details

We cover Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAM) from a recent Emergency Medicine Cases podcast and First10inEM blog post by Dr. Justin Morganstern regarding urinary tract infections (UTIs).   This podcast and blog tackle common issues in UTI diagnosis and treatment, including the following points:

  • UTI is a clinical diagnosis, a dirty urine does not mean the patient has a UTI
  • Urinalyses are more complicated to interpret than we probably understand

Then we cover core content from Rosen’s Emergency Medicine (8th ed), Chapter 99; Tintialli's Emergency Medicine (8th ed), Chapter 91; IDSA Guidelines for Treatment and Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

A recent study in Academic Emergency Medicine by Hughes and colleagues, looks at the potential clinical relevance of having emergency physicians sign ECGs read "normal" by the computer software.  FOAM reviews of this article can be found here:

  • Dr. Smith's ECG blog
  • Emergency Medicine Literature of Note
  • REBEL EM

Then we review ischemia on ECGs, including STEMIs as well as a dive into ischemic T waves

Check out FOAMcast.org for more show notes and images.

Thanks for listening!

Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We cover an episode of The Skeptic's Guide to Emergency Medicine that covers a validation study of the Step by Step approach to pediatric fever.  This approach to infants with a fever <3 months old is alluring as it does not necessitate a lumbar puncture.  This algorithm had a better sensitivity and negative predictive value than the Rochester criteria.   The approach did miss some infants with a serious bacterial infection and these tended to be those between 21 and 28 days old and those with fever onset <2 hours prior to arrival. 

We cover Chapter 116 in Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine (8th ed) and Rosen's on pediatric fever.

Visit FOAMcast.org for more information and thanks for listening!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We cover a post from the fantastic St. Emlyn's team which breaks down a recently published article in Annals of Emergency Medicine comparing diazepam with placebo in patients with acute low back pain.  We recommend you read the full text of the article by Friedman et al.

We delve into core content on red flags in back pain and spinal epidural abscess using Rosen's Emergency Medicine and Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine Chapter 279 as a guide.

visit FOAMcast.org for show notes and more information.

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

We cover Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAM) on Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN). Recent interes

The American College of Radiology (ACR) Manual on Contrast Induced Nephropathy

This Emergency Medicine Literature of Note post covers the AMACING trial, which looks at intravenous fluid administration (0.9% NaCl) versus usual care in patients "at risk" for CIN undergoing contrast-enhanced CT scan. The study found a difference of -0.1% (95% CI -2.25 to 2.06), which was below the non-inferiority margin. Prior literature shows similar results, with no clear-cut efficacy from prevention strategies for CIN.

This post by Dr. Joel Topf (nephrologist @kidneyboy) on the Precious Bodily Fluids blog discusses a nephrologist's take on CIN.

EM topics post on fluids in CIN.

Core Content

We then delve into core content on genitourinary trauma using Rosen’s Chapter 47 and Tintinalli’s Chapter265 as a guide.

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

Ultrasound is gaining popularity in assisting lumbar punctures (LPs). We review this technique as well as Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAM) from the following sites:  5 Min Sono, Sinai EM, and PEM pearls from ALiEM.

We then delve into core content on meningitis, encephalitis, and antiNMDA receptor encephalitis using Rosen's Chapter 109 and Tintinalli's Chapters 117 and 174 as a guide.

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We cover FOAM on transvenous pacing from Ultrasound Podcast, Dr. Jason Nomura, and Dr. Al Sachetti

Then, we delve into basics on bradycardias using Rosen's Emergency Medicine and Tintinalli's as a guide.

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines were updated, reflecting some changes carried forward from Sepsis 3.0 that was released in 2016.

In this podcast we go over some of the updates, many of the recommendations that stayed the same.

As a bonus we cover a new study on validation of qSOFA.

Show notes at FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

A lot of good literature came out in 2016 so we wanted to mention a couple of our favorite articles of the year.

Sepsis 3.0

Singer M, Deutschman CS, Seymour CW, et al: The Sepsis Definitions Task Force The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3).

The quick SOFA score (qSOFA) also came out in hopes it "provides simple bedside criteria to identify adult patients with suspected infection who are likely to have poor outcomes." It is not part of the sepsis definition

Back Up Head Elevated Intubation

Khandelwal et al. Head-elevated Patient Positioning Decreases Complications of Emergent Tracheal Intubation in the Ward and Intensive Care Unit. Anesthesia and Analgesia. Apr 2016.

Ketorolac Dose

Motov, S, Yasavolian, M, Likourezos, A, et al. Comparison of Intravenous Ketorolac at Three Single-Dose Regimens for Treating Acute Pain in the Emergency Department. .Ann Emerg Med. 2016 Dec 16.

Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Prognostication

Jabre et al. Early Identification of Patients With Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest With No Chance of Survival and Consideration for Organ Donation. Intern Med. 2016 Dec 6;165(11):770-778

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review a trick of the trade from Academic Life in Emergency medicine for temporomandibular joint (TMJ)  dislocation, the extra-oral reduction as well as other methods of TMJ reduction.

We delve into core content on dental injuries including fractures, avulsion, luxations, pulpitis and more using Rosen’s Emergency Medicine (8th edition) Chapter 70 "Oral Emergencies" and Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine (8th edition) Chapter 245 "Oral and Dental Emergencies" as a guide.

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review a podcast from Dr. Tim Horeczko's Pediatric Emergency Playbook on elbow injuries including identifying normal ossification centers (CRITOE), radial head subluxation, and supracondylar fractures.

Then, we delve into core content on other elbow adjacent injuries including elbow dislocations, humerus fractures, and olecranon bursitis using Rosen’s Emergency Medicine (8th edition) Chapter  and Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine (8th edition) Chapter  as a guide.

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review a talk by Dr. Sara Gray from SMACC (Social Media and Critical Care) conference in June 2016, Resuscitative hysterotomy, which is the new name for perimortem c-section [1]. In this talk she challenges the "4 minute" rule: if resuscitative efforts following maternal circulatory arrest are unsuccessful, cesarean delivery should be commenced at 4 minutes and completed by 5 minutes to optimize fetal outcome. 

Then we delve into core content on pregnancy emergencies using Rosen’s Emergency Medicine (8th edition) Chapter 98and Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine (8th edition) Chapter 178 as a guide, discussing nausea and vomiting, hyperemesis gravidarum, bacteriuria, and vaginal bleeding in the first trimester.

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

The PESIT study in the New England Journal of Medicine stirred up controversy in the FOAM world earlier in October 2016.  In this episode we cover the following posts on this article on pulmonary embolism in syncope:

  • Dr. Rory Spiegel of EMnerd
  • Dr. Ryan Radecki of EM Literature of Note
  • St. Emlyn's
  • Rebel EM

Then, We delve into core content on syncope usingRosen's Emergency Medicine (8th edition) and Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine (8th edition) Chapter 52

Thanks for listening!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We are bringing y'all pearls from ACEP 2016 in Las Vegas.

Today we cover Bell's Palsy (are you sure it's not a stroke?), burn dogma, and some hot abstracts of the year.

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We are at ACEP 2016 summarizing the hottest pearls

Today we cover placebos in the ED for back pain, nausea, and upper respiratory tract infections as well as atrial fibrillation management controversies and vaccine side effects.

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We bring you highlights from ACEP2016 in Las Vegas.

Today we focus on the care of the transgender patient and some pearls on caring appropriately for our diverse patients.

We also cover active shooters and lawsuit pearls

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We cover an incredible ophthalmology resource, OphthoBook.com, by Dr. Tim Roots.  This resource has a free book and excellent free video lectures.  Specifically, we detail a hilarious video on eye exam tricks, especially targeting individuals who "can't see."

We previously reviewed eye trauma in this podcast. In this episode, we review ophthalmology basics using Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine (8e), Chapter 241

Visit FOAMcast.org for more and Rosh Review questions. Thanks for listening! 

Jeremy Faust + Lauren Westafer

View Details

The Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAM)

We cover a post from Dr. Josh Farkas on PULMcrit on lithium toxicity. The key message from the post is: a single serum lithium level doesn't necessitate dialysis, despite a recommendation from the EXTRIP working group  to initiate dialysis in patients with a lithium level > 5 mEq/L [1].  Dr. Farkas advocates for aggressive management in asymptomatic patients with chronic lithium toxicity and patients without impaired renal function.

Core Content

We review rhabdomyolysis using Rosen's Emergency Medicine (8e)  Chapter 160 and Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine (8e), Chapter 181.

Show notes at FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust & Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review a FOAM post by Dr. Matthew MacPartlin on Rollcage Medic on flying after a pneumothorax.

Then we delve into a core content review of altitude sickness, high altitude pulmonary edema, high altitude cerebral edema, and altitude related problems using Tintinalli and Rosen's Emergency Medicine as a guide.

Thanks for listening!
-Jeremy Faust & Lauren Westafer

View Details

We cover several excellent post on rashes, including:

  • Paucis Verbis Approach to Rashes - ALiEM
  • Emergent Diagnosis of the Unknown Rash from EMJ
  • What's That Rash? - EMdocs

Next, we dive into core content on platelet problems including problems caused by drugs, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP/idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) using Tintinalli Chapter 233 (8th ed) and Rosen's Chapter 122 (7th ed) as a guide.

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We cover ultrasound guided pericardiocentesis using the posts from EMin5, CoreEM, and the Ultrasound Podcast.

Then, we delve into core content on the pericardium using Rosen’s (8th ed) Chapter 82 and Tintinalli (8th ed) Chapter 55 covering pericardial effusions, pericarditis, and myocarditis.

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust & Lauren Westafer

View Details

We cover a post by Dr. Rory Spiegel, EMNerd: The Case of Differing Perspectives, on the results of the ATACH-2 trial on blood pressure control in intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). This study sought to determine the safety and efficacy of the

Population: adults (>18 y/o) with ICH on CT scan, GCS ≥ 5 and <4.5 hours since symptom onset (changed mid-study)

Intervention: Reduce and maintain the hourly minimum systolic blood pressure in the range of 110 to 139 mm Hg throughout the period of 24 hours after randomization ("intensive treatment"). Preferred agents for blood pressure control in order of preference were 1. nicardipine 2. labetalol (diltiazem or urapidil if not available)

  • Mean minimum in hours 0-2: 128.9±16 mm Hg

Control: Reduce and maintain the hourly minimum systolic blood pressure in the range of 140 to 179 mm Hg throughout the period of 24 hours after randomization.

  • Mean minimum in hours 0-2: 141.1±14.8 mm Hg

Outcome: The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who had moderately severe or severe disability (modified Rankin scale score (mRS) 4-5) or those who had died (mRS 6; hereafter referred to as “death or disability”) at 3 months.

  • death or disability: Intensive treatment = 186 participants (38.7%) vs Standard treatment = 181 (37.7%)

We also discuss the history of blood pressure control in ICH and the pendulum swing on this in recent years, using an episode of the Skeptic's Guide to Emergency Medicine, Episode 73. This episode covers the Interact-2 trial.

Core Content

We delve into core content on ICH using Rosen’s (8th ed) Chapter and Chapter in Tintinalli (8th ed).

We also discuss the PATCH trial with regard to ICH management in patients on antiplatelet agents, discussing a REBELEM post on this trial.

View Details

Just in time for the new interns, we answer the most common question asked of us - our favorite resources to use on shift.

Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAM) exists in forms that are suitable for self-study or function as resources and those that are easy to use resources to consult on shift, Just In Time (JIT) Resources. We review our favorite FOAM JIT resources.

View Details

We cover a Scancrit post on the Back Up Head Elevated (BUHE) intubation position.  This post details a multicenter retrospective observational study by Khandelwal et al in Anesthesia & Analgesia.Intubating with the head elevated (ear to sternal notch) and the back of the bed up reduces complications.

We delve into core content on the esophagus using Rosen’s (8th ed) Chapter 71 and Chapter 77 in Tintinalli (8th ed). We discuss dysphagia, food impaction, and esophagitis.

Thanks for listening!

JEremy Faust and Lauren WEstafer

View Details

ITUNES OR LISTEN HERE

We cover pearls from smaccDUB (Social Media and Critical Care Conference in Dublin, Ireland), Day 3. We are here thanks to the Rosh Review.

Dr. Scott Weingart - "Post-Intubation Sedation"

  • Analgesia first. Try a hydromorphone 1mg push while you're waiting for the fentanyl drip. The endotracheal tube is uncomfortable.
  • Minimize sedation. There's this principle: eCASH: early Comfort using Analgesia, minimal Sedatives and maximal Humane care [1].
  • Sedation: go for dexmedetomidine if you have it (but it's expensive) or propofol. This is supported by the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Pain, Agitation, and Delirium guidelines [2].
  • Be careful with rocuronium. The long duration of rocuronium means that you can't assess for pain or discomfort so you must be responsible and get these

Dr. David Carr - "The Aorta Will #!&?% You Up"

Dr. Kathleen Thomas - "Oh Sh! They’re bombing the hospital!"**

We should not need a website entitled STOPBOMBINGHOSPITALS.ORG but, unfortunately, over the past 4 years, 400 hospitals have been bombed. This passionate, wrenching talk is a "must see" and "must listen" when the free talks are released on the SMACC podcast over the course of the next year.

ive use in the emergency department. Emergency medicine journal : EMJ. 30(11):893-5. 2013. [pubmed]

  1. Imamura H, Sekiguchi Y, Iwashita T et al. Painless Acute Aortic Dissection. Circ J. 75(1):59-66. 2011. [article]
  2. Diercks DB, et al. Clinical policy: critical issues in the evaluation and management of adult patients with suspected acute nontraumatic thoracic aortic dissection. Ann Emerg Med. 2015 Jan;65(1):32-42.e12. PMID: 25529153.
  3. Hagan PG, Nienaber CA, Isselbacher EM. The International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD): new insights into an old disease. JAMA. 283(7):897-903. 2000. [pubmed]

View Details

#smaccDUB day 2

Dr. Reuben Strayer - “Disruption, Danger, and Droperidol: Emergency Management of the Agitated Patient."

Dr. Strayer presented a brilliant talk on dealing with the quintessential Emergency Medicine patient - the undifferentiated acutely agitated patient. These patients are high risk and require emergent stabilization and resuscitation.

Dr. Haney Mallemat - "The PEA Paradox"

The typical way we think about PEA, the "H's and T's," is overly complicated. Further, we are horrendous at pulse palpation (see this for more), and so what we think is PEA may not actually be PEA. Dr. Mallemat proposed QRS duration as one way to think about PEA, although this has limitations.

Dr. Michele Dominico - "How Usual Resuscitative Maneuvers Can Kill Paediatric Cardiac Patients"

Interventions we jump to in sick patients - oxygenation, ventilation, vasopressors - these can kill pediatric patients with cardiac pathology. She gave examples of some high yield pearls in these already terrifying patients.

EM Literature update by Drs. Ashley Shreves and Ryan Radecki

  • Antibiotics for uncomplicated diverticulitis? May not be necessary
  • Antibiotics for appendicitis? Maybe an option for some, but it may just be delaying an appendectomy.
  • Tamsulosin for ureteral stones? Not necessarily indicated unless there are large (>5mm), distal stones.

Interesting and Ridiculous Research Pearls from Drs. Ashley Shreves and Ryan Radecki

  • Perception of dyspnea and pulmonary function tests change with stress - and rollercoaster rides. Rietveld S, van Beest I. Rollercoaster asthma: when positive emotional stress interferes with dyspnea perception. Behaviour research and therapy. 45(5):977-87. 2007. [pubmed]
  • Cured pork for epistaxis? Possibly. Researchers will try everything, especially if it involves bacon. Humphreys I, Saraiya S, Belenky W, Dworkin J. Nasal packing with strips of cured pork as treatment for uncontrollable epistaxis in a patient with Glanzmann thrombasthenia. The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology. 120(11):732-6. 2011. [pubmed]

View Details

We are at SMACC in Dublin - thanks to the Rosh Review, an excellent board review question bank. Here are some of our favorite pearls.

Do We Make Saves?

Dr. Mervyn Singer "Is Survival Predetermined in the Critically Ill?"

  • Many critical care studies are negative, but in some cases this may be because critically ill patients don't have a uniform prognosis.
  • Dr. Singer argues that some people may be "destined to die" and some may be "destined to live." So, it's not really us "saving the patient", it's just the math playing out. Interventions may be harmful or futile in one group but beneficial in the other. For example, Dr. Singer references the CORTICUS trial of steroids in septic shock. This was a negative trial. Dr. Singer asserts that some evidence (of not great quality), purports that the sickest patients could benefit from steroids, while this same intervention could be deleterious in the healthier ones.
  • Problem: many of the studies that go back and re-analyze these groups looking at the sickest or least sick patients? They perform subgroup analyses, a form of data dredging that must be taken with a huge grain of salt.

Favorite Pearls

Dr. Suzanne Mason - "Acute Care of the Elderly"

  • Hospital admission may not benefit geriatric patients - interdisciplinary interventions involving nurses, consultants, pharmacists, physical therapy may be best.
  • If there is a single, free intervention that providers can do it's assessing for polypharmacy. Polypharmacy in the elderly is a huge problem. Check the patient's medication list and beware adding new medications that may not be absolutely necessary.

Dr. Victoria Brazil - "So You Think You're a Resuscitationist?"

  • The Dunning-Kruger effect is real in medicine and this is why we MUST have and provide feedback. A review of the Dunning-Kruger effect can be found here. Essentially, people tend to overestimate what they know (i.e. overly confident in their knowledge). The exception? Masters tend to underestimate their knowledge.
    • Our perception of reality is very skewed so, again, feedback is crucial. For example, Cemalovic and colleagues found that intubators underestimated the time they took to intubate: they estimated 23.5 seconds on average vs the 45.5 seconds intubation actually took. Additionally, they thought 13% of their patients desaturated during intubation but 23% actually desaturated.

View Details

We cover this short video from EMRAP on lateral canthotomies.  This is one of those rare procedures that is vision saving; hence, it is worthy of frequent review.

Then, we delve into core content on orbital fractures, hyphemas, and ocular burns using Tintinalli and Rosen's Emergency Medicine as a guide.

Show notes and references at foamcast.org

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review the FOAM video by Dr. Anna Pickens of EMin5.com on "Special Seizures" including hyponatremia, isoniazid toxcitiy, alcohol withdrawal, and eclampsia.

Then we review core content on seizures using Rosen's Emergency Medicine and Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Review.

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

ALTE is out and BRUE is in.

We review the American Academy of Pediatrics guideline on Brief Resolved Unexplained Events (Formerly Apparent Life-Threatening Events) and Evaluation of Lower-Risk Infants

View Details

We cover a post by Dr. Seth Trueger (@MDaware) on false positives in the urine drug screen and review limitations of this test.

Then we review some toxicology, including toxicity associated with cocaine and PCP using Rosen's Emergency Medicine (8e) and Tintinalli's (8e) as a guide.

Thanks for listening!

Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

View Details

In this episode we cover a post from Dr. Smith's ECG blog investigating ways to read ischemia on a ventricular paced ECG:  A Patient with Ischemic symptoms and a Biventricular Pacemaker.

Then we delve into core content on the Sgarbossa/modified Sgarbossa criteria as well as pacers and implantable defibrillators and their complications.

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We cover a podcast from HEFT EMcast  demonstrating that needle decompression at the 2nd intercostal space at the midclavicular line (2ICS MCL) is likely to fail.  They review a systematic review and meta-analysis by Laan et al in 2015 that suggests the fifth intercostal space at the anterior axillary line (5ICS AAL) is less likely to fail.

Then we delve into core content on pneumothoraces and empyemas using Tintinalli and Rosen's Emergency Medicine as a guide.

Thanks for listening,

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We cover a post from Life in the Fast Lane Research and Reviews (LITFL R&R) #121 featuring a section on the new American Gastroenterology Association (AGA) guidelines on diverticulitis. The game changer? Antibiotics aren't a requirement in select patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis.

Then we delve into core content on diverticulosis, diverticulitis, and clostridium difficile using Rosen's Emergency Medicine (8e) and Tintinalli: A Comprehensive Review (7e).

Show notes at FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We bring you breaking news on the updated sepsis definition from the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine.

SIRS and Severe Sepsis?   Out.

qSOFA (HAT - Hypotension, AMS, Tachypnea)?  In.

Septic Shock?  Sepsis + Vasopressors needed to maintain MAP >65 mmHg + Lactate >2 mmol/L (*after adequate fluids)

View Details

We cover the Skeptic's Guide to Emergency Medicine Episode 144, "That Smell of Isopropyl Alcohol for Nausea in the Emergency Department." This podcast reviews an article by Beadle et al, an RCT on the use of inhalational isopropyl alcohol for nausea.

Then we delve into core content on vertigo using Rosen’s Medicine (8e) and Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide  (7e) on all things toxic alcohols

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We cover an EMcrit episode on Semantics of End of Life Discussions with Dr. Ashley Shreves as well as pearls from another favorite episode with her, Episode 93 - Critical Care Palliation. We can't do these episodes justice summarizing them so listen to them.

Key Pearls on moving away from "DNAR" and moving towards "AND" - Allow Natural Death, how to have the conversation, and with whom to have the end of life discussion.

Then we delve into core content on vertigo using Rosen’s Medicine (8e) electronic chapter, "End of Life," and Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide (7e) Chapter 297 “Death and Dying.”

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We cover two bits of FOAM,Emergency Medicine Literature of Note - Dr. Ryan Radecki - on the use of meclizine for vertigo and EMcrit - Dr. Scott Weingart on the HiNTs exam.

Then we delve into some of the problems with the HiNTs exam including it can only be performed on patients with continuous vertigo and that external validity is a major issue with HiNTs.

Then, we delve into core content on vertigo using Rosen’s Medicine (8e) Chapter 19, and Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide (7e) Chapter 164 “Vertigo and Dizziness."

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this special episode we review some of the top items of 2015*

David Newman:

  • Opioids for back pain - falling out of favor.
  • Risk stratifying (and testing) low risk chest pain.

Haney Mallemat:

  • Peripheral vasopressors may be ready for prime time
  • FAST guided resuscitative thoracotomy (No cardiac activity and no effusion? No thoracotomy).
  • Movement towards less volume in sepsis (ex: in PROMISE trial average patient got 6L over 72 h)

Michelle Lin

  • Merging of FOAM with traditional journals
  • Merging of FOAM resources into conglomerates
  • More medical education FOAM (ex: ICEnet, EMin5)

Rob Orman

  • Same as Haney (peripheral vasopressors + FAST in resuscitative thoracotomy)
  • Sexual intercourse 3-4 times per week may aid in expulsion of distal kidney stones.

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

*Chosen by people smarter than we are.

(nb: Lauren initially wrote "smarter than us," but I fixed it. You're welcome, universe. -JF)

View Details

In this episode we cover The Skeptic's Guide to Emergency Medicine Episode on Regional Anesthesia for hip and femoral neck fractures.

Then we delve into core content on Rosen's and Tintinalli (Rosenalli) on core content pearls on compartment syndrome.

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy and Lauren

View Details

We cover Dr. Rory Spiegel's blog EMNERD, covering an article in Chest 2015 by Pivetta et al, discussing the ways lung ultrasound (US) may be far more helpful than the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in determining heart failure in the dyspneic patient.

Then we delve into likelihood ratios and show notes can be found at FOAMCAST.org

Bottom Line, LR of 1 is useless. It doesn't change the likelihood of using the disease.

  • LR >5 is good, + LR of 10 means that a test is useful and, if positive, patient most likely had the disease

  • LR 0.2 is ok but a - LR of 0.1 is much more helpful.

Using a Fagan nomogran, one can understand how various likelihood ratios (and tests with their known LRs) may affect the post-test probability (i.e. the likelihood the patient has the disease). The utility of tests also depends on the pretest probability.

View Details

The FOAM realm has teamed with interest in a randomized trial in the ICU by Semler et al, the FELLOW trial. This week we cover some aspects of this trial, such as statistical power, highlighted in some of the following Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAM) posts

  • EMCrit
  • The Bottom Line
  • EM Literature of Note
  • St. Emlyn's
  • REBEL EM

Then, we delve into core content on epistaxis and sinusitis using Rosenalli (Tintinalli (7e) Chapter 239, “Epistaxis, Nasal Fractures, and Rhinosinusitis.” Rosen’s  (8e) Chapter 75, “Upper Respiratory Infection.", "Otolaryngology") as a guide.

Thanks for listening,

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We cover a trick of the trade from Dr. Brian Lin, posted on the Academic Life in Emergency Medicine (ALiEM site) on hemostasis in finger tip avulsions. Dr. Lin also has his own excellent FOAM site on all things laceration - LacerationRepair.com.

We also cover FOAM on dogma of wound care from Dr. Ken Milne's The Skeptic's Guide to Emergency Medicine, Episode #63

Then we cover laceration and wound care core content pearls using Rosenalli (Rosen's Emergency Medicine and Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine Review).

View Details

This miniature FOAMcast episode brings you pearls the American College of Emergency Physicians annual meeting, ACEP15 in Boston.

We summarize some popular highlights from Day 3 including foodborne illness, wound management, and tips for giving presentations.

View Details

This miniature FOAMcast episode brings you pearls the American College of Emergency Physicians annual meeting, ACEP15 in Boston.

We summarize some popular highlights from Day 2 including ECMO, trauma myths, and renal colic.

View Details

This miniature FOAMcast episode brings you pearls the American College of Emergency Physicians annual meeting, ACEP15 in Boston.

We summarize some popular highlights from Day 1 including Jerry Hoffman and Rick Bukata's literature review and a talk from Dr. Jeff Kline on pulmonary embolism.

View Details

We cover an episode of the Ultrasound Podcast, in which Drs. Matt Dawson, Mike Mallin, and Jacob Avila demonstrate how to diagnose rib and sternal fractures with bedside ultrasound.

Then we cover core content pearls using Rosen's, Tintinalli, and the EAST guidelines on rib fractures, sternal fractures, and blunt cardiac injury.

Visit foamcast.org for references as well as generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this tiny episode we do something a little different.

Dr. Paul Young (@dogICUma) and colleagues published two papers in JAMA and NEJM, SPLIT and HEAT, respectively.  

SPLIT is an RCT looking at balanced crystalloid vs 0.9% NaCl and AKI, an ever popular topic in FOAM.

HEAT is an RCT of acetaminophen in ICU patients.

We'll be back with regular episodes, soon.

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this episode, we cover the New York Times article, "What Comes After The Heimlich Maneuver" and Dr. Seth Trueger's take on this article, "Bad Idea Jeans." The take home message - cricothyrotomies should be done by experts and we should probably traine ourselves for these a little better.

Then, we cover core content pearls on tracheostomy emergencies and a quick summary of infections in or near the trachea.  Visit foamcast.org for more as well as generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

This tiny episode covers a blog entry from BrownCoatNation.com (University of Illinois, Chicago), who has a new series entitled “Inconceivable.” The idea is to expose medical terminology that we tend to use incorrectly. The first installment is focused on the misuse of the term "left shift," and it's the focus of this FOAMcastini.

'Left shift" refers to the presence of banded (immature) neutrophils in the blood. It does not refer to an elevated white blood cell count with a high percentage of neutrophils. An elevated white blood cell count with an abnormally high percentage of neutrophils should be called "neutrophillic leukocytosis." Only the presence of immature neutrophils in the periphery (including bands) can accurately be called a "left shift." 

We will be back shortly with regular episodes, once their schedules coincide.

Thanks for listening!

View Details

In this episode, we cover the St. Emlyn's team's post on the REVERT trial, which added a new spin to the traditional (and traditionally ineffective) Valsalva maneuver for stable supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). In this post, Dr. Rick Body goes through the trial covering not only the results and also drops pearls on methodology.

Then, we cover core content pearls on supraventricular tachycardia and ventricular tachycardia. Visit foamcast.org for more as well as generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

This week we cover Dr. Ryan Radecki's post on Gestational Age Adjusted D-Dimer covering an article by Murphy et al.

Then we review the differential diagnosis and workup of hemoptysis using Rosen's Emergency Medicine and Tintinalli as a guide.

We have Rosh Review questions and more available on our website, FOAMcast.org.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

This week we cover Dr. Rory Spiegel's post on initial non-operative management of acute appendicitis in his blog post on EMnerd reviewing a paper by Salminen et al.

Then we review appendicitis and some other right lower quadrant abdominal pearls using Rosen's Emergency Medicine and Tintinalli as a guide.

We have Rosh Review questions and more available on our website, FOAMcast.org.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

This week we cover posts from the Wessex ICS site, The Bottom Line, which is an excellent source for breakdown of recent and important trials. We cover their post on a systematic review of peripheral pressor complications (Loubani et al) and then we delve into a recent prospective trial by Cardenas-Garcia and colleagues that came up at SMACC.

Then we review peripheral vasopressors using Tintinalli and Rosen's Emergency Medicine as a guide.

We have Rosh Review questions and more available on our website, FOAMcast.org.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

ACEP released an updated clinical policy on the use of tPA for acute ischemic stroke in June 2015.  We reviewed this on a prior episode. While we are not an interview based show, we had to seize the opportunity to talk with those with more experience. 

In this episode, Jeremy interviews Dr. Jerry Hoffman, a notorious tPA critic.

We shall return to regular core content soon.

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

ACEP published the clinical policy on the use of tPA for acute ischemic stroke in June.  We covered the draft in January in a FOAMcastini.  Given some significant changes, we wanted to update y'all to ensure we deliver accurate information.

We review the changes and then tap our tPA brain trust, Drs. Anand Swaminathan, Ken Milne, Ryan Radecki, and David Newman for expert opinion.

View Details

FOAMcast is bringing you pearls from conferences we attend including SMACC.  (and next June 13-16, we'll bring you pearls from smaccDUB in Dublin, Ireland)

Today we discuss some pearls on shift work, analgesia (even without drugs), the perils of the Glasgow Coma Scale and more!

View Details

FOAMcast is bringing you pearls from conferences we attend including SMACC.  (and next June 13-16, we'll bring you pearls from smaccDUB in Dublin, Ireland)

Today we discuss some pearls on pediatric fluids, impact apnea, evidence based medicine, and death.

View Details

FOAMcast is bringing you pearls from conferences we attend including SMACC.

The overarching theme to Day 1 at SMACC?  Use your team-to check you and for feedback.  Dr. Cliff Reid reminded us to follow up our patients and outcomes and learn from it all, without letting our egos get in the way.   Dr. Simon Carley (St. Emlyn's) gave a powerful talk on learning from mistakes later in the day; you will definitely want to listen to these when they come out.

We cover trauma pearls from Dr. Scott Weingart, pain pearls from Dr. Reuben Strayer, tox pearls form Dr. David Juurlin, and a bunch of sepsis goodness.

View Details

We review this post from Dr. Scott Weingart's EMCrit podcast on Thyroid Storm.

Then, we delve into core even more content pearls on the thyroid including differentiating different hyperthyroid states and mxyedema coma.  We do this using Tintinalli and Rosen's as guides.

As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review this post from Dr. Anton Helman of Emergency Medicine Cases on Pediatric DKA.

Then, we delve into core content pearls on hyperglycemia including Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State. We do this using Tintinalli and Rosen's as guides.

As always, visit foamcast.orgfor show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

This episode is slightly different. We review some of our favoite pearls from the last year including our favorite mnemonics and memory aids (and some that we think bombed).

Thanks, y'all, for listening, providing feedback, and continuing to inspire us to look through FOAM and Rosenalli to enhance our emergency medicine education.

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review thisa post from Dr. Charles Bruen of Resus Review on Malignant Hyperthermia and dantrolene.

Then, we delve into core content pearls on polypharmacy - serotonin syndrome, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and extrapyramidal side effects. We do this using Tintinalli and Rosen's as guides.

As always, visit foamcast.orgfor show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review this post from the amazing Maryland Critical Care Project on N-acetylcysteine for Inhalational Burn Injury

Then, we delve into core content pearls on burns including nomenclature, fluid resuscitation, burn center referral criteria, and more. We do this using Tintinalli and Rosen's as guides.

As always, visit foamcast.orgfor show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review use of longboards and cervical collars for spinal immobilization using the new ACEP statement and posts by ScanCrit (Curse of the Cervical Collar, Cervical Collar RIP, Cervical Collars Slashed From Guidelines), a post by Dr. Minh Le Cong from PHARM, and this Medest118 post (in addition to new policy statement from ACEP)

Then, we delve into core content pearls on differentiating spinal shock from neurogenic shock, the incomplete cord syndromes such as anterior cord syndrome, central cord syndrome, and Brown Sequard syndrome, as well as a quick and dirty review of key spinal reflexes. We do this using Tintinalli, and Rosen's as a guide.

As always, visit foamcast.orgfor show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this mini FOAMcast, we introduce a new segment - statistics.

We cover inter-rater reliability,\ or, the kappa coefficient, using the PECARN head trauma decision aid as a tool.

As always, visit foamcast.orgfor show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review the post by Bryan Hayes, PharmD, FAACT on Academic Life in Emergency Medicine, Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: 1 or 2 Tablets BID?

Then, we delve into core content pearls on cellulitis and abscesses, necrotizing skin infections, and Erythema Multiforme/Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis using the IDSA guidelines, Tintinalli, and Rosen's as a guide.

As always, visit foamcast.orgfor show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

This week we review the Taming the SRU podcast, "Ketamine Cagematch" (iTunes) in which Drs. Minh Le Cong and Chris Zammit banter about the use of ketamine in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Then, we delve into core content pearls on concussion/mild TBI including diagnosis, treatment, and complications using Tintinalli 254 but to be honest, Rosenalli is lacking on this topic so we've turned to the ACEP clinical policy, AAN guidelines, Ontario Pediatric Guidelines, and the AAP guidelines on the topic.

As always, visit foamcast.orgfor show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

This week we're covering Dr. Jacob Avila's post on ultrasound for small bowel obstruction (SBO) located at Ultrasound of the week. He has an accompanying video on 5minSono.

The Bread and Butter

We cover key points on SBO and Acute Mesenteric Ischemia from Rosenalli, that’s Tintinalli (7e) Chapter 86; Rosen’s (8e) Chapter 92. But, don’t just take our word for it. Go enrich your fundamental understanding yourself.

As always, visit foamcast.orgfor show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

As detailed in this FOAMcastini, ACEP just released a draft of an updated clinical policy on tPA for acute ischemic stroke. This came in the wake of years of controversy over the aggressive position taken in the 2012 clinical policy.

While FOAMcast is not an interview style podcast, we felt compelled to get some perspective on Emergency Physicians a little more experienced than ourselves. Here we interview:

Dr. Ryan Radecki (@emlitofnote), Assistant Professor, University of Texas - Houston

  • See his response to the policy on his blog here

Dr. David Newman (#draftnewman), Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Anand Swaminathan (@EMSwami), Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, NYU

Dr. Ken Milne (@thesgem), Chief of Staff at South Huron Hospital

View Details

On Jan 12, 2015, ACEP released the draft of the new clinical policy on tPA in acute ischemic stroke. This was an update of the ACEP tPA Clinical Policy 2012, which has been entrenched in controversy since it was published.

In this episode we dicuss the major differences between the two policies. Then, have your say. Comment on the draft here.

View Details

We review the FOAM resource, Don’t Forget the Bubbles, "Knee X-ray Interpretation" by Dr. Tessa Davis. We use a systematic approach to assessing chest x-rays, so why not knee x-rays?

Then, we delve into a core content review using Rosenalli as a base, covering knee dislocations and septic arthritis. Key Texts:Tintinalli (7e) Chapters 271, 281; Rosen’s (8e) Chapters 57, 136

*As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.*

*Thanks y'all!*

*-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer*

View Details

This week we review Dr. Josh Farkas's PulmCrit blog posts,Renal microvascular hemodynamics in sepsis: a new paradigm and Renoresuscitation: Sepsis resuscitation designed to avoid long-term complications in which he posits that renal protection in sepsis may prove beneficial for patients.

Then, we delve into core content pearls on acute kidney injury using Rosenalli (Rosen's Emergency Medicine and Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Review Guide) as a guide.

As always, visit foamcast.orgfor show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

This week we review Dr. Rory Spiegel's EMNerd blog post,A Case of Identity Part Two, on dual antiplatelet therapy for ACS and MI.

  • Dual antiplatelet therapy, often aspirin + P2Y12 inhibitors, although commonly used, do not affect mortality and have questionable benefit but are associated with risks of bleeding.

Then, we delve into core content pearls on anticoagulation including aspirin, ibuprofen, and novel oral anticoagulants using Rosenalli (Rosen's Emergency Medicine and Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Review Guide) and Goldrank (10th ed) Chapter 60 and EMPractice October 2013 as a guide.

As always, visit foamcast.orgfor show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

This week we review the Tox Talk podcast, Episode 23, Mushrooms. Key pearls

Clitocybe, Inocybe - contain muscarine which stimulates muscarinic receptors (acetylcholine/parasympathetic), causing a cholinergic toxidrome.

  • Memory aid: these mushrooms end in -yBE, akin to the "killer B's" that make cholinergic toxicity deadly - bradycardia, bronchorrhea, bronchospasm.

Gyromitra - (false morel)

  • Memory aid: gyromitra named because they look like the gyri of the brain and, conveniently, make the brain seize through depletion of GABA.

Amanita phalloides - the mushroom equivalent of acetaminophen toxicity.

Then, we delve into core content pearls on accidental hypothermia using Rosenalli (Rosen's Emergency Medicine and Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Review Guide).

As always, visit foamcast.orgfor show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

This week we review Dr.Ken Milne's podcast, the Skeptics Guide to Emergency Medicine new feature - Hot off the Press. It's all about geriatric falls, y'all.

Then, we delve into core content pearls on the geriatrics using Rosenalli (Rosen's Emergency Medicine and Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Review Guide). We review polypharmacy, abdominal pain, and other key pearls.

As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

FOAMcast will be back shortly with regular core content-cutting edge mash ups; however, we wanted to take a moment to focus on a conference that inadvertently created FOAMcast...and is coming to Chicago in June 2015.

SMACC - Chicago (#smaccUS) June 23-26, 2015. Registration begins Nov 5, 2014

There are too many core content lectures to choose from and they're available on iTunes.

Our favorites are listed on FOAMcast.org and here we review:

Dr. Haney Mallemat - The Art and Science of Fluid Responsiveness

Dr. Scott Weingart - Sepsis in New York: Our First 15,000 Patients

Dr. Cliff Reid - Resuscitation Dogmalysis

Dr. Rob Mac Sweeney - ARDS: An Evidence Based Update

Timing, Tribes, and STEMIs

View Details

FOAMcast is bringing you pearls from conferences we attend and, first up, the American College of Emergency Physicians annual meeting, ACEP14.  

Today's Pearls:

ACEP is revisiting the TPA policy - Dr. David Newman, Dr. Edward Sloan, and Dr. Seaberg

Evidence based approach to Intracerebral Hemorrhage by Dr. Jon Edlow

Drs. Jerome Hoffman and Richard Bukata delivered key literature pearls.

For updates, follow #ACEP14

Thanks for listening, y'all!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

FOAMcast is bringing you pearls from conferences we attend and, first up, the American College of Emergency Physicians annual meeting, ACEP14.

Today's Pearls:

HIV patients are at risk for ACS and thrombotic complications

Resuscitation pearls from Weingart: Don't trust "normal" vital signs, ACLS is not for emergency physicians, REBOA and ECMO are coming

Palliative care in the Emergendy Department - important and often not well done

ACEP has 5 more "Chosing Wisely" Pearls

For updates, follow #ACEP14

Thanks for listening, y'all!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

FOAMcast is bringing you pearls from conferences we attend and, first up, the American College of Emergency Physicians annual meeting, ACEP14.  

Today's Pearls:

Emergency Physicians are like economists (We're more probalisticians than diagnosticians).

Cardiology pearls from Dr. Slovis - TTM to 36 Celsius post-arrest should be standard. Many people probably could benefit from caths after arrest, we're not sure exactly who at this point.

Patients returning from West Africa with fever probably have a regular virus, maybe malaria, but probably not ebola.

There's really not much use for glucagon in calcium channel blocker toxicity. Think supportive care, insulin-dextrose.

ETCO2 - it doesn't equal PaCO2 and it depends on cardiac output and alveolar ventilation  

For updates, follow #ACEP14

Thanks for listening, y'all!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

FOAMcast is bringing you pearls from conferences we attend and, first up, the American College of Emergency Physicians annual meeting, ACEP14.  However, Jeremy and I both worked overnights so we got into town a little late.  Our friends and ACEP luminaries, Drs. Justin Hensley, Howie Mell, and Todd Slesinger.

For updates, follow #ACEP14

Thanks for listening, y'all!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

This week we review Dr. Scott Weingart's EMcrit episode,The First Prehospital REBOA

Then, we delve into core content pearls on the spleen using Rosenalli (Rosen's Emergency Medicine and Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Review Guide). We cover splenic trauma and lacerations, post-splenectomy sepsis, and splenic sequestration.

Key Texts: Rosen's Chapter 46, 134 and Tintinalli Chapter 260.

As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

This week we review Dr. Rob Orman's ERCast episode, Is it really a sinus headache?

Then, we delve into core content headache pearls with an ophthalmology bent using Rosenalli (Rosen's Emergency Medicine and Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Review Guide). We cover temporal arteritis, acute angle closure glaucoma, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.

Key Texts: Tintinalli (7e): Ch 159; Rosen's (8e) Ch 20, 103

As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this tiny episode, Jeremy gives his bottom line pearls for FOAMcast episodes 4-14. You know, because spaced repetition is a good thing. We've got anaphylaxis, heart failure, ebola, acid-base, and more.

As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

This week we review a post by Brent Reed on Academic Life in EM, covering pharmacologic management of atrial fibrillation.

Then, we delve into core content Emergency Medicine cardiology using Rosenalli (Rosen's Emergency Medicine and Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Review Guide). We cover atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and, everyone's favorite, multifocal atrial tachycardia.

Key Texts: Tintinalli (7e): Ch ; Rosen's (8e) Ch

As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

View Details

This week we review EM in 5's episode on the hand neuro exam.

Then, we delve into core content hand pearls including flexor tenosynovitis, extensor tendon injuries, amputations, and more using Rosenalli (Rosen's Emergency Medicine and Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Review Guide).

Key Texts: Tintinalli (7e): Ch 280, 295; Rosen's (8e) Ch 50

As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

View Details

This week we review Right Axis Deviation from Dr. Amal Mattu's ECG Video of the Week - Why You Should Care When Things are Totally RAD as well as EMCrit Episode 98 on TCA Overdose treatment

Then, we delve into core content toxicology pearls regarding tricyclic antidepressants and sodium channel blockade using Rosenalli (Rosen's Emergency Medicine and Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Review Guide) in addition to Goldfrank's Toxicology

Key Texts: Tintinalli (7e): Ch 171; Rosen's (8e) Ch 151 Goldfrank Ch 73

As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

View Details

This week we review Dr. Salim Rezaie's REBEL Cast Episode 1 on Biphasic Anaphylaxis

Then, we delve into core content allergy/immunology pearls on Anaphylaxis and Angioedema using Rosenalli (Rosen's Emergency Medicine and Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Review Guide)

Key Texts: Tintinalli (7e): Ch 27; Rosen's (8e) Ch 119

As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

This week we review Mount Sinai Emergency Medicine Residency's blog post on Ebola.

Then, we delve into core content infectious disease pearls on Airborne and Droplet isolation and infectious agents such as varicella using Tintinalli as our predominant reference.

Key Texts: Tintinalli (7e): Ch 148, Ch 157; The CDC

As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

This week we review Dr. Natalie May's brilliant post on the St. Emlyn's blog, "When Sick Means Sick: Emesemantics and Vomiting in Kids" in which she dissects emesis descriptors such as bilious, projectile, and coffee-ground.

Then, we delve into core content on Neonatal Jaundice and Intussusception.

Key Texts: Tintinalli (7e) Chapters 111, 124 ; Rosen's (8e) Chapter 172

As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Thanks y'all!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

In this episode we review Dr. Scott Weingart's Practical Evidence Podcast #3 on Management of First Trimester Vaginal Bleeding and ACEP's 2012 Clinical Policy. After a thrilling discussion of the discriminatory zone and ultrasound, we digress into core content covering bleeding in later pregnancy (placental abruption and previa), abdominal pain in pregnancy including septic abortion and chorioamnionitis, as well as eclampsia and pre-eclampsia.

*Key Texts: Tintinalli (7e) Chapters 102-105 ; Rosen's (8e) Chapter 178*

*As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.*

*Thanks y'all!*

*-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer*

View Details

This tiny episode covers Hypernatremia - a supplement to our Episode 8 on acid-base and hyponatremia.

*As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.*

*Key Texts: Tintinalli (7e) Chapters 19,21 ; Rosen's (8e) Chapters 124, 125*

*Thanks y'all!*

*-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer*

View Details

*We review the FOAM from SMACC GOLD, Dr. David Story's "Is Chloride A Poison?" for a great primer on the Stewart method to acid-base. The Strong Ion Difference (SID) is essentially Sodium minus Chloride (Na - Cl). Normal = 38; a higher SID indicates metabolic alkalosis and a lower SID indicates a metabolic acidosis. "Normal Saline" has a whopping amount of chloride, which decreases the SID and has been associated with acidosis, renal insufficiency in critically ill patients, and, perhaps, mortality.*

*As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.*

*Key Texts: Tintinalli (7e) Chapters 19,21 ; Rosen's (8e) Chapters 124, 125*

*FOAM Resources: Acid-Base ala EMCrit I/II/III/IV, Hyponatremia - EMBasic, Hyponatremia-ERCast, Hyponatremia - EMCrit*

*Thanks y'all!*

*-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer*

View Details

On this FOAMcastini (A tiny FOAMcast), we summarize our summaries of core content and free open access medical education (FOAM), covering:

Episode 1 - Cyanide and Carbon Monoxide Toxicity

Episode 2 - All things GU (Renal colic, urinary retention, infected stones)

Episode 3 - ENT (Bullous myringitis, ruptured tympanic membranes, auricular hematomas, and more).

This is our attempt at remembering these things ourselves and encouraging some spaced repetition. Thanks for listening and just remember, no need to FOAM it alone.

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review the FOAM from The RAGE podcast (The Resuscitationist's Awesome Guide to Everything), "Episode 4" ,on impact apnea, the right heart and more. Then we discuss the core content related to right ventricular myocardial infarctions and heart failure.

As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Key Texts: Tintinalli (7e) Chapters 53, 57; Rosen’s (8e) Chapters 78, 81

Thanks for listening!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

This episode is inspired by a tweet from Dr. Nick Genes who queried why there wasn't more focus on hepatic emergencies in FOAM (Free Open Access Medical education).

We review the FOAM from Maryland's Critical Care Project ,"Chyle- coming to a paracentesis near you," on chylous ascites. Then, we discuss core content liver emergencies, focusing on Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis, Hepatic Encephalopathy, and a smattering of hepatotoxic drugs.

As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Key Texts: Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Board Review(7e) Chapter83, Rosen’s Emergency Medicine (8e) Chapter 90

Thanks for listening!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review the FOAM (Free Open Access Medical education) from Academic Life in Emergency Medicine, "Atypical Antispychotic Medication Re-initiation in the Emergency Department" and Dr. Casey Parker's Broome Docs Podcast "Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter." Then, we discuss core content emergencies including a review of select psychiatric disorders and management of increased ICP.

As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Key Texts:

  • Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Board Review(7e) Chapters 284, 254
  • Rosen’s Emergency Medicine (8e) Chapters 110, 29

Thanks for listening!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review the FOAM (Free Open Access Medical education) from Dr. Ryan Radecki's Emergency Medicine Literature of Note, "Infections & Transfusions" and "Grilling Injuries on Memorial Day." Then, we discuss core content emergencies including transfusion reactions and ingested foreign bodies.

As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Key Texts:

  • Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide (7e) Chapter 233
  • Rosen's Emergency Medicine(8e) Chapter 7

Thanks for listening!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review FOAM (Free Open Access Medical education), SMART EM "Pseudoaxioms 2 and Literature Update," in which Dr. David Newman discussesthe lack of benefit for tamsulosin in most renal colic. Then, we discuss core content urologic emergencies including:

  • Bullous Myringitis
  • Perforated Tympanic Membrane
  • Auricular Hematoma
  • Necrotizing Otitis Externa (Malignant Otitis Externa)

As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Key Texts:

Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide (7e) Chapter 237

Rosen's Emergency Medicine(8e) Chapter 92

Thanks for listening!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review FOAM (Free Open Access Medical education), The Skeptic's Guide to Emergency Medicine Episode #71, in which Dr. Milne discussesthe lack of benefit for tamsulosin in most renal colic. Then, we discuss core content urologic emergencies including:

  • Renal Colic
  • Infected kidney stones
  • Acute Urinary Retention

As always, visit foamcast.org for show notes and the generously donated Rosh Review questions.

Key Texts:

Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide (7e) Chapters 95, 97

Rosen's Emergency Medicine(8e) Chapter 99

Thanks for listening!

-Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

View Details

We review EMCrit Episode #122 in which Drs. Weingart and Nelson review a case of cyanide poisoning in a patient presenting in PEA arrest after a house fire.

Show notes and Rosh Review questions at foamcast.org

Key Texts:

Cyanide: Tintinalli (7e) Ch 198; Rosen's (8e) Ch 159

Carbon Monoxide: Tintinalli (7e) Ch 217; Rosen's (8e) Ch 159